New research has unveiled that artificial ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning can cause cellular mutations, potentially sowing the seeds for future cancers, including the highly lethal melanoma. While the increased risk of skin cancer among tanning bed users is well-documented, this study marks the first time researchers have discovered that young indoor tanners undergo genetic changes leading to more mutations in their skin cells than individuals twice their age.
The study, conducted by researchers at UC San Francisco and Northwestern University, was published on December 12 in the journal Science Advances. According to Bishal Tandukar, PhD, a UCSF postdoctoral scholar in Dermatology and co-first author of the study, “We found that tanning bed users in their 30s and 40s had even more mutations than people in the general population who were in their 70s and 80s. In other words, the skin of tanning bed users appeared decades older at the genetic level.”
Genetic Mutations and Cancer Risks
Such mutations can lead to skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Melanoma, although accounting for only about 1% of skin cancers, causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. Approximately 11,000 Americans die annually from melanoma, primarily due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
UV radiation is naturally present in sunlight and is also emitted by artificial sources like tanning beds. The rise in melanoma rates has coincided with increased tanning bed usage, disproportionately affecting young women, who make up the majority of the tanning industry’s clientele.
Global Concerns and Regulatory Stance
Despite numerous countries effectively banning tanning beds and the World Health Organization classifying them as a group 1 carcinogen, akin to tobacco smoke and asbestos, tanning beds remain legal and popular in the United States. This regulatory stance continues to be a point of contention among health experts and policymakers.
The study’s authors examined medical records of over 32,000 dermatology patients, assessing their tanning bed usage, sunburn history, and family history of melanoma. Skin samples from 26 donors were analyzed, with 182 cells sequenced to identify mutations.
“The skin of tanning bed users was riddled with the seeds of cancer — cells with mutations known to lead to melanoma,” said senior author A. Hunter Shain, PhD, an associate professor in the UCSF Department of Dermatology.
Preventive Measures and Public Health Implications
Shain emphasizes the importance of limiting mutation accumulation to prevent skin cancer. “We cannot reverse a mutation once it occurs, so it is essential to limit how many mutations accumulate in the first place. One of the simplest ways to do that is to avoid exposure to artificial UV radiation,” he stated.
The study’s authors include a diverse team from UCSF and Northwestern University, highlighting a collaborative effort in addressing a significant public health concern. Funding for the study was provided by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the Department of Defense Melanoma Research Program, and the Melanoma Research Alliance.
As the findings of this study resonate within the scientific community and beyond, they underscore the urgent need for increased public awareness and potentially stricter regulations on tanning bed usage. The implications of these genetic changes are profound, with the potential to reshape public health strategies aimed at reducing skin cancer incidence.
Moving forward, experts advocate for educational campaigns to inform the public about the risks associated with tanning beds and the benefits of natural skin protection methods. The study serves as a critical reminder of the hidden dangers of artificial tanning and the importance of preventive healthcare measures.
